The intent of the RFP is to encourage academic and community-based organizations to submit proposals describing concepts and ideas for design and implementation of systems or programs that close clinical practice gaps and improve the care of patients with rare cancer types through the establishment of education and support mechanisms for community oncologists. It is expected that grants will fund approximately nine projects.

“NCCN is pleased to collaborate with Pfizer in this effort,” said Joan S. McClure, MS, Senior Vice President, Clinical Information and Publications, NCCN. “Together, we will identify and fund projects that interweave patient support and information, health care systems issues, and broadening of clinician knowledge base to improve the quality of care for individuals with rare cancers.”

The RFP issued October 17, 2013 seeks concepts for initiatives focusing on the following areas where there are gaps in care:

Health care provider education and incorporation of education into practice

Provider/patient communications and treatment decision-making

Increasing the use of evidence-based recommendations for management of renal cell carcinoma or hematologic malignancies

Information related to patient assistance programs and other patient-centered resources

Organizations may submit for one of two categories: renal cell carcinoma or hematologic malignancies, which will include acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML), and non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas (NHL).

For the first time in its history, the NCCN ORP will draw upon the expertise of investigators not only from the 23 NCCN Member Institutions, but from all cancer centers across the United States, including both academic and community settings.

The NCCN ORP, organized to obtain funding to support scientifically meritorious research studies at NCCN Member Institutions, will be the lead organization for review and evaluation of applications. A review committee, led by NCCN and including a medical representative from Pfizer, will make decisions on which proposals will receive funding. Grant funding will be provided by Pfizer IGLC.

The National Comprehensive Cancer Network® (NCCN®), a not-for-profit alliance of 23 of the world’s leading cancer centers, is dedicated to improving the quality, effectiveness, and efficiency of care provided to patients with cancer. Through the leadership and expertise of clinical professionals at NCCN Member Institutions, NCCN develops resources that present valuable information to the numerous stakeholders in the health care delivery system. As the arbiter of high-quality cancer care, NCCN promotes the importance of continuous quality improvement and recognizes the significance of creating clinical practice guidelines appropriate for use by patients, clinicians, and other health care decision-makers. The primary goal of all NCCN initiatives is to improve the quality, effectiveness, and efficiency of oncology practice so patients can live better lives.